Handrail for bathtubs



Jul 5, 1938. H P, SMWH 2,122,626

HANDRAIL FOR BATHTUBS Filed June 26, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Inventor 1%)0/772 J777/7fi Patented July 5, 1938 PATENT oFFiCE HANDRAIL FOR. BATHTUBS Hiram P. Smith, West Yarmouth, Mass.

Application June 26, 1937, Serial No. 150,604

1 Claim.

The present invention relates to a multiple purpose safety-type handrail adapted for disposition at a point of vantage on the rim of the tub where it'may be conveniently utilized by the occupant of the tub.

Admittedly, accidents of all types occur to bathers while taking a bath in present day porcelain and equivalent bathtubs. It follows, therefore, that the art to which the invention relates is, at this point of writing, rather well developed and comprehends the use of various styles of handles and handrails, and equivalent utility accessories. Being generally conversant with such conditions, I have set out to provide a handrail which is structurally distinct, in a comparative sense, and possessed of recognizable features of refinement and improvement such as qualify it for acceptance as a further and novel contribution to this specific line of endeavor.

In reducing to practice the principles of my inventive conception, I have evolved and produced a structure possessed of utmost simplicity and such equivalent indispensable factors as render it aptly fitted for the particular purposes intended. Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent from the following description and drawings.

In the drawings, wherein like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a conventional bathtub showing the improved accommodation hand rail in place.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged transverse section on the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a view in section and elevation showing the improved structure in detail.

Figure 5 is a top plan view of one end portion of the device.

Byway of introduction, it is to be pointed out that the invention is applicable to conventional leg supported tubs or built-in tubs, or any similar types of tubs as may be employed in the future. As a general rule, the tub, denoted by the numeral 6 includes a rolled rim or equivalent topping flange I. It is to this part that the improved attachment, denoted by the numeral 8, is connected. Incidentally, the device may be in the nature of an attachment or integrated and. built onto the tub as an original installation.

Said accessory or device 8 comprises a single length of pipe or a tubularrod 9, this being screwthreaded at opposite ends, as indicated at Ill. The screw-threads are tapped into internally screw-threaded complemental duplicate elbows ll forming the substantially L-shaped standard on the attaching brackets or fixtures 12. That is to say, each fixture comprises a standard having a substantially perpendicular part l3 and a laterally directed elbow, the elbow being internally screw-threaded to accommodate the ends of the horizontal hand tube or rail 9. Each bracket also includes an integral adapter base or flange l4, this being shaped to conform to and fit firmly against the rim 1 of the tub. The flange is here shown as formed with both holes l5 to accommodate bolts or equivalent fastenings l6 threaded into screw-threaded holes and tapped in the rim of the tub. It is obvious that the adapter flanges may be welded or otherwise secured in place.

The gist of the invention resides, it is believed, in the provision of a pair of duplicate attaching fixtures or brackets, these having adapter flanges and L-shaped accommodation standards, the standards in efiect being simple screw-threaded elbows to accommodate the screw-threaded ends of a readily available length of pipe or equivalent tube forming a handrail. Thus, the handrail is disposed horizontally and parallel to the rim of the tub where it may be conveniently grasped by the occupant of the tub to facilitate raising and lowering of the body. In practice the fixtures are suitably offset so as to space the handrail properly from the wall. Where a built-in tub is concerned, it is evident that the offset angle will be such as to dispose the handrail in a position away from the wall to provide convenient clearance. As stated before, I am aware that handrails and equivalent structures have been adopted for the same general purpose. It is believed, however, that none are quite as simple and as effective as the arrangement herein shown and described.

It is thought that the description taken in connection with the drawings will enable a clear understanding of the invention to be had. Therefore, a more lengthy description is thought unnecessary.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that minor changes coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to if desired.

I claim: I

A handrail for bathtubs comprising a pair of bases each having the under face thereof arcuately curved to match the curvature of a topping flange of a bathtub and provided with openings to receive fasteners for detachably securing the base on the topping flange with the top face oi the base inclining upwardly and outwardly from the interior of the tub, substantially L-shaped tubular standards formed integral with the top inclining faces of the bases and including upwardly and outwardly inclined portions lying in a plane substantially with the plane of the side wall of the tub, and horizontally disposed portions extending parallel with the topping fiange outwardly of the interior of the tub and having internal screw threads, and a tubular rail having screw threaded ends threaded in the horizontal portions of the standards and positioned thereby to overlie the topping flange of the tub and in space-:1 relation thereto and outwardly of the interior of the tub.

HIRAM P. SMITH. 

